Don Cornelius who was the creator of the TV hit “Soul Train” passed away early Wednesday morning. Reportedly, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 75 years old. Officers responded to a call and arrived at Cornelius’ home around 4am early Wednesday morning. He was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.

Cornelius introduced “Soul Train” in the 70s and it aired nationally until 2006. The show featured so many great artists in history such as the Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and many more. Cornelius was the show’s executive producer and its host from 1971-1993. In addition to the dance program, the franchise included the Soul Train Music Awards.

I know I remember watching Soul Train on Saturdays when I was younger and the Soul Train line is a favorite at various parties, events etc. May he rest in peace. Check out a video of the Soul Train Line after the break!

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We can’t say we didn’t see this one coming! Reportedly, judges Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and host Steve Jones have been fired from X-Factor USA and will not be returning for season 2. A Fox spokesperson confirmed on Monday that Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger will not be back. So it looks like Simon Cowell and LA Reid are the last ones standing. I’m sure they’re already working on replacements. We’ll keep you posted as this story develops.

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Underworld Awakening starring Kate Beckinsale topped the box office over the weekend raking in $25.4 million. Red Tails debuted at $19.1 million and Contraband rounded out the top 3 with $12.2 million. Check out the the top 10 box office results below.

1. Underworld Awakening $25,400,000
2. Red Tails $19,100,000
3. Contraband $12,200,000
4. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close $10,545,000
5. Haywire $9,000,000
6. Beauty and the Beast (3D) $8,556,000
7. Joyful Noise $6,075,000
8. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol $5,540,000
9. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows $4,805,000
10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) $3,750,000

Singer Etta James who was known for her powerhouse voice, as well as her hit song “At Last” passed away earlier today at Riverside Community Hospital (Riverside, CA) due to complications with Leukemia. Her husband and two sons were by her side when she passed. She was 73 years old. Her longtime manager Lupe De Leon announced the sad news and reportedly she also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. He stated the following about her passing:

“This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world,” De Leon said. “She was a true original who could sing it all — her music defied category.”

“I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always.”

Beyoncé who played Etta James in the 2008 film “Cadillac Records” posted the following about James’ death on her website:

“This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime,” Beyonce wrote. “Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed.”

May she rest in peace.

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